Super 15
Hansen quiet on Highlanders role
Scrum.com
July 5, 2010
New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen casts an eye over his pack, All Blacks training session, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand, June 22, 2010
Steve Hansen has had no approach from the Highlanders © Getty Images
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All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has refused to fuel speculation that he is set to take the reins at the Highlanders.

The Super Rugby franchise confirmed in June that head coach Glenn Moore and his assistant Peter Russell would have to re-apply for their jobs prior to next season's Super 15 and Hansen has been heavily linked with the post.

All Blacks boss Graham Henry last week confirmed that "there were some foundations" to the rumours, but Hansen has refused to take the bait.

"I haven't got any plans with the Highlanders," he said. "I'm not going to rule myself out because the New Zealand Rugby Union hasn't ruled anyone out. At this stage, no-one's come to me and said 'will you coach the Highlanders?'

"It's all speculation. I'm open to most things. I've always said I'd like to do more coaching, but that doesn't mean I'm coaching the Highlanders."

Hansen is currently in camp as the All Blacks prepare for their opening Tri-Nations showdown with South Africa in Auckland on Saturday, admitting that their first two home games would likely set the tone for their tournament.

"Getting the Boks first up means we have to win both games at home - otherwise we have to make up the points offshore," Hansen said. "We have a deep desire to perform having lost the Tri Nations last year. There's a huge hunger to win it back.

"We're playing what everybody deems to be the best side in the world. We fancy ourselves to be a handy rugby side as well. There's a lot at stake, so the tension and pressure is a lot greater than normal."

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